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free radon test kits

CHARLEVOIX – The Health Department of Northwest Michigan will offer free radon test kits the week of Jan. 29-Feb. 2 to encourage testing in conjunction with National Radon Action Month.

Free test kits — which include the testing device, along with postage to send the device to a laboratory for laboratory analysis and report — are available at health department offices in Bellaire, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs and Gaylord. Those interested in receiving a kit will need to bring their tax identification number with them to obtain one from the health department. Kits are also available from some hardware stores and home improvement centers — but since these don't always include postage and analysis, the health department recommends reading the packaging carefully.

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — January is National Radon Action Month and the Nevada Radon Education Program of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension will be offering an informational presentation and free radon test kits at several Washoe County library locations.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and one in four homes tested in Nevada have elevated radon concentrations.

Radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, and 46 percent of all homes in Colorado are estimated to have high levels, according to Weld County public health officials.

With funding from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment is offering free radon test kits to any Weld resident — limit one per household.

The Danbury Health and Human Services Department will be providing free radon testing kits for Danbury residents on a first come, first serve basis. Free radon testing is part of an ongoing city initiative to work with residents in keeping our community safe and healthy.

Radon in homes is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that forms when uranium decays is found in rocks, soil and water. The gas is invisible and has no smell, making it an elusive “silent killer” if it’s not specifically tested for. It’s believed that radon gas exposure is responsible for 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year and the City of Danbury is being proactive in offering free radon testing kits.

BARTON – The Vermont Department of Health is testing child care facilities in Newport, Lyndonville, St. Johnsbury and Derby for radon gas at the request of Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA). Eventually, NEKCA hopes to test all 14 of their early childhood education centers. Nearly 200 children are educated and cared for by NEKCA Head Start.

“By testing for radon and switching to ‘greener’ cleaning products, we can create a better environment for the children,” said Linda Michniewicz, program director for NEKCA Head Start. “We want to reduce the risk of radon, and work to improve the overall air quality as well.”

The testing is mandated nationally by Head Start and included in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Action Plan to reduce the risk of radon in schools and childcare facilities. Prolonged exposure to radon, a colorless, ordorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Recently, WKYC broadcast a report about radon levels in Ohio Schools. Even though most of Ohio is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Zone 1 area, few schools perform radon testing.

A Zone 1 area is described as having the highest potential for a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L. A small percentage of counties in Ohio that are not listed as a Zone 1 area have been listed under the EPA’s Zone 2 category. Zone 2 predicts an average indoor radon screening level of between 2 and 4 pCi/L.

Even though children spend approximately 8 hours a day in the classroom, Ohio does not require radon testing in its schools. According to the WKYC report, “The EPA estimates about 70,000 classrooms in the U.S. have radon levels at or above the action level of 4 pCi/L. But federal laws do not mandate radon testing in schools.”

National Radon Awareness Week kicks off Sunday and a local non-profit group is working to promote awareness about the radioactive gas which is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Officials with Citizens for Clean Air in Pueblo for Education, Research and Action said Thursday that the average radon level for homes they tested in a four-year program registered at 8.9 picocuries per liter. Radon gas is measured in picocuries, which represents the radioactivity associated with one gram of radium.

Kathy Howe-Kerr, with the nonprofit organization, said more than 70 percent of homes tested in Pueblo County during the Pueblo CAREs program had elevated levels at or above the Environmental Protection Agency's action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter.

"It's a big health issue and it's important because it's a long-term thing," said Larry Howe-Kerr, also with the organization.

IONIA COUNTY - The Ionia County Health Department is offering free radon test kits during the next three months to people who donate a non-perishable food item that will help local families.

Radon, an odorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause of the disease among non-smokers. In Michigan, one in eight homes is expected to have an elevated indoor radon level.

This radioactive gas can get trapped under a home and later drawn in through openings in the foundation floor or walls. Exposure over time increases the risk of long-term illnesses

Test kits are available at the health department, 175 E. Adams St. or the office can be reached by calling 616-527-5341.

Prowers County Public Health and Environment (PCPHE) is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) in a nationwide campaign to educate Americans about the dangers of radon exposure and to encourage them to take action to protect their homes and families.
In our community, PCPHE has free in home test kits available, throughout the year.

Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is dispersed in outdoor air, but which can reach harmful levels when trapped in buildings. Scientists have long been concerned about the health risk of radon, but never before has there been such overwhelming proof that exposure to elevated levels of radon causes lung cancer in humans.

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